Handmade Holidays

I feel like I can finally take a deep breath: the baby and our Christmas Tree have peacefully coexisted for over two weeks now. I just wasn’t sure how that was going to go down.

To make the tree baby safe, we only placed ornaments on the top two thirds. True, our tree does look a little wonky top heavy, but it’s still standing and only one ornament has been pulled off. The baby reports that the red, hand-blown glass ball ornament tasted delicious. (Mama is truly relieved it’s still in one piece.)

Each year we decorate our tree with handmade ornaments, some made by us (like these felt stars, tree, and birds), others made by artisans and friends. Several are heirloom ornaments from my mother-in-law’s childhood. We treasure each one.

We also like to throw on a home-strung popcorn garland and dehydrated citrus slices reminiscent of stained glass windows. Both of those projects are still in-progress.

I think the whole thing looks rather lovely and simple this year. I love perfectly imperfect things.

The gifts haven’t been quite as organized or handmade. We’re running late with everything. No cards have been sent out. Holiday presents are halfway made and scattered. (While homeschooling activities are piled high across the kitchen table.)

It’s just one of those years where I need to be gentle and forgiving with myself because reality may fall short of my (evidently extremely unrealistic) expectations.

Right now I choose to spend my energy and time with my kids, reading holiday books together on the couch, baking almost healthy treats, spending as much time as we can outside before the rains of winter (hopefully) come. We’re making memories that will last a lifetime.

Breathe in, breathe out. Hello, holidays. It’s almost Christmas.